Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal Psychology



Abnormal Psychology

Introduction

Abnormal psychology deals with the causes of mental dysfunction such as mental illness or any type of emotional disturbances. There are many perspectives of abnormal psychology such as the behavioral perspective which emphasizes on the role of learning, particularly conditioning experiences on the development of psychological disorders (Wolpe, 1969). The cognitive perspective which emphasizes on cognitions which is made up of a person's expectations, values, beliefs, and which determines the responses of a person when confronting life's situations, and the medical perspective relates disorders to biological abnormalities(Wolpe, 1969). In today's society there are several ways one can be treated for abnormal behaviors. In many parts of the world therapy is used for the individual and his or her family (Stayton & Weiner, 1961).

Discussion

A common type of therapy known as Social-Cognitive Therapy is common used which is concerned with the individual thoughts, attitudes, and feelings more than with internal psychological processes or non-verbal behavior (Schofield, 1964). Therapy of this kind tends to encourage self- awareness and insight into the causes of one's psychological problems. Another common type of therapy known as Psychoanalytic Therapy deals with exploring the individual unconscious motivation, with special importance attached to conflict and repression stemming from problems in the early stages of development (Schofield, 1964).

Normal and abnormal psychology

What is normal and abnormal psychology? Really this is based on what one considers to be normal or abnormal. Depending on one's culture, life style or what is considered to be the social norms that are acceptable can determine the answer. Abnormal psychology basically tries to predict, or explain any abnormalities or patterns of functioning. At times finding the line between what is normal and abnormal can be hard to determine. Depending on one's lifestyle, mental state, culture or even experiences one could consider any certain situation to be either normal or abnormal (Schofield, 1964). If a pole was taken on spanking a child, how one feels about spanking a child can change how others consider their behavior to be either abnormal or normal(Stayton & Weiner, 1961).

Depending on the individuals involved, one's opinion, culture, or life style can change how one is thought of. What may seem normal to some may be abnormal to others. Standards of normal and abnormal behavior differ from society to society and change as social conditions and customs change.” Basically abnormal psychology takes a look at mental illnesses ...